Area entertainers will get their turn on stage at the 2018 Wilson Idol Talent Show on Sept. 8 at Fike High School.

This event, held in conjunction with Summerville Promotion and Production Company and Tall One Outreach Ministries, showcases performances in song, instrumentation and the spoken word, according to organizer Mildred Summerville. The event starts at 5 p.m.; doors open at 4.

Summerville said this year's program will continue to include "Babes (3-9) and Seniors through (55+) Have Talent Too."

These participants will perform in a non-competitive category and will receive gift certificates sponsored by local businesses.

"One of our goals of this component is to continue collaborating with our area businesses because we need their support to ensure a successful community event," Summerville said. "The Wilson Idol initiative is geared toward the continual ties that bind unity in our community through performing arts."

Cash prizes will be awarded to Idol winners, and the top performer will be given an opportunity to perform for gospel singer Shirley Caesar and will be given an opportunity to audition for a part in the onstage production of the award-winning gospel play, "Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child," written and produced by Summerville. Alayla Jenkins, Wilson Idol 2017 winner, has been selected as a cast member for this dramatic production, which will be staged at the Carolina Theater in Durham on Sept. 29 at 7:30 pm.

All winners will be featured in the "Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child" souvenir booklet, The Gospel Music Fever and TCP magazines, The Wilson Times and the Grey Area newspapers and on KNTV and BGNTV.

"Wilson Idol's mission is to encourage all Wilson County residents, especially students, to remain in school and to pursue their personal interests in the performing arts, which may lead to global exposure as well as self-gratification," Summerville said.

CHAMPION AWARD

In association with Wilson Idol, Summerville has launched the initiation of The Tall One Champion Awards. The Tall One Champion Award Program honors individuals for their hard work, perseverance and meritorious contributions in their communities, Summerville said. Honorees have made an impact on their communities through various initiatives, such as ministry, performing arts, community services and educational contributions.

Wilson Idol will pay tribute to the following icons in our community - Luvenia Elliott, George Leach, Minnie Doris Cummings, Levolyre Pitt and Evelyn Hagans Jones - for their contribution to education; and William Myers for his education initiatives as well as his contributions to the performing arts. Myers is co-founder of The Monitors.

"Without question, they deserve recognition for their excellence, high expectations, enthusiasm (love for learning) and humanitarianism," Summerville said of the educators. "In addition, the honorees have always demonstrated respect for students, a strong spiritual sense of community."

"Myers symbolizes the highest ideals of perfection in the area of the performing arts," she added. "It is common knowledge that he is an award-winning musician, band leader and represents his home state of North Carolina with coveted respect."

Judges are Spiritual Travelers and Marvin Jeffreys. Jeffreys wrote, composed and originally recorded "Rain on Me" that was later record by The Mighty Clouds of Joy. He has also written songs for gospel recording artist Evelyn Turrentine-Agee. His songs can also be heard on the newly released motion picture documentary, "Music from The Big House," which features the Canadian Queen of Blues, Rita Chlarell.

Special guest for "Wilson Idol" is Trina Jeffrie, leading cast member and director of "Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child."

For information or to help as an ambassador, contact Summerville at wilsonidol2013@gmail.com. Tickets may be purchased at Stevens Funeral Home, the Arts Council of Wilson, from all contestants or Mildred Summerville by calling 252-230-2689.